The band includes original members Jeff Keith (vocals), Frank Hannon (guitar), Brian Wheat (bass) and Troy Luccketta (drums), along with newcomer Dave Rude (guitar).

Dave Rude, who replaced Tommy Skeoch, recently had his guitars stolen out of a TESLA gear truck. The thieves made off with two Epiphone Masterbilt acoustic guitars, including the single cutaway model that he used in the full page Epiphone ad that ran in guitar magazines in 2011 and 2012.

2011 was a big year for TESLA. In July the band released their latest album, “Twisted Wires And The Acoustic Sessions.” The CD featured six songs that were recorded back in 2005 at bassist Brian Wheat’s J Street Recorders studio — which also served as the last recordings with original member Tommy Skeoch — and six newly recorded tracks, including acoustic remakes of songs from TESLA’s entire catalog and two brand new songs, “Second Street” and “Better Off Without You”.

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Independent music publishing company pigFACTORY Music, whose roster includes recordings and songs performed by artists such as Jordin Sparks, Demi Lovato, Fatboy Slim, Iggy Pop, and Meatloaf, has just signed iconic 80s rock band Tesla to an international publishing administration and synch representation deal. The announcement was made today by Keatly Haldeman, CEO, pigFACTORY Music.

The new deal allows pigFACTORY to exclusively administer the publishing for all songs that Tesla has written and license for synchronization all of Tesla’s songs and later recordings.

Said Haldeman, “We’re honored that Tesla has chosen pigFACTORY to represent their music. Tesla continues to put out great songs and relentlessly tours for its loyal fan base. We are excited to expose Tesla’s new music to the TV/film/advertising community and to shine a spotlight on their hits such as “Love Song.”

For those of you who may not know what a synchronization license is, it allows a film, video or television producer to contract with a songwriter or the songwriter’s publisher to use a song in a film, video, music video, television program, or television advertisement. PigFACTORY will be administering this license on an international basis.

About PigFACTORY Music Publishing:
pigFACTORY Music Publishing specializes in the international placement of music in film, television, film trailers, advertising, and videogames, and in the collection of publishing royalties, worldwide. To that end, the company leverages an advanced digital publishing system to proactively exploit its clients’ music catalogues and track music publishing royalties on a global scale. The company represents top songwriters, artists, record producers, labels, and publishers, with a roster of over 250,000 songs, including an extensive selection of classic hits.

pigFACTORY is one of the only highly proactive independent publishers in the international marketplace to affiliate directly with a large number of royalty societies throughout the world. Via its direct memberships and partnerships, and by using state-of-the-art royalty software, pigFACTORY quickly and accurately registers its clients’ song catalogues with the publishing rights societies, and collects ‘at source’ in most major international territories.

The U.S. headquarters of pigFACTORY is 8075 W. Third Street, Suite # 540, Los Angeles, CA, 90048. The phone is 323/653-1200, and the website is www.pigfactory.com.

About TESLA
Tesla is an American hard rock band formed in Sacramento, CA, in 1984. They have sold 14 million albums in the United States. The band originally formed as City Kidd, and was renamed Tesla during the recording of their first album, 1986’s “Mechanical Resonance.” The band derived their name, certain album and song titles, and some song content from events relating to inventor and electrical engineer Nikola Tesla. The band’s original lineup consisted of lead vocalist Jeff Keith, guitarists Frank Hannon and Tommy Skeoch, bassist Brian Wheat, and drummer Troy Luccketta.

Tesla’s music is often referred to as hard rock. The band’s lyrics also strayed from the themes popular in hard rock, particularly in the 1980s at the beginning of their career. A further distinction from their contemporaries was their T-shirt-and-jeans image which was in strong contrast to glam metal bands of the time, which were characterized by big hair, leather pants, and flashy makeup. Also in the early days of their career, Tesla toured with David Lee Roth, Alice Cooper, Def Leppard, and Poison, which incorrectly resulted in the band being categorized as a Glam metal band.

It was three years before the band released their second album, “The Great Radio Controversy.” The album helped solidify the band’s growing reputation and fan base, and produced the hit single, a classic ’80s power ballad “Love Song”. In 1990, Tesla released “Five Man Acoustical Jam,” a live album featuring acoustic renditions of hits such as “Comin’ Atcha Live”, “Gettin’ Better”, “Modern Day Cowboy”, and “Love Song”. The album also featured a number of covers most notably a version of “Signs,” a 1971 hit by the Five Man Electrical Band.

In 1991, Tesla released their third studio album “Psychotic Supper.” The band itself considers this to be their best album. The 1998 Japanese reissue import of Psychotic Supper contains three previously unreleased songs, including “Rock the Nation”, “I Ain’t Superstitious”, and “Run Run Run.” In 1994, the band released their fourth studio album “Bust a Nut.” After the release of “Bust a Nut,” Skeoch departed because of his struggle with substance abuse, and the band moved forward as a four piece for a short while. In l994, the band members parted ways.

After a break of six years, The Sacramento Bee reported that Tesla had reformed in 2000 with the help of local radio personality Pat Martin of KRXQ. The band played an emotional sold out show at Arco Arena in Sacramento on October 25, 2000, and soon thereafter recorded the double live album “Replugged Live.” In 2002, they were featured in the Rock Never Stops Tour alongside other 1980s rock bands, and 2002 saw the release of another live album “Standing Room Only.”

The band released “Into The Now” in 2004, followed by “Reel to Reel I & II” in 2006 on their own label Tesla Electric Recording Company. In between those albums, Dave Rude joined the band to replace outgoing member Tommy Skeoch and “Forever More” was released in 2008.

In 2009, Tesla was among the performers on the cruise ship “ShipRocked;” in 2010, the band’s studio burned to the ground, and in 2011, Tesla played at a rally for the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association. Tesla also released an acoustic album, “Twisted Wires and the Acoustic Sessions,” during 2011.

Tesla is currently on an arena tour with Scorpions playing for thousands of screaming fans all over the USA.

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Tesla, not to be confused with Nikola the coil guy, kicked off Thunder Valley Casino Resort’s Summer Concert Series on Friday night, with an electrifying performance in front of a sold-out crowd of diehard Sacramento fans.

This was one hell of a show and Tesla’s third at Thunder Valley Casino, and still a sold out show.

Why?

Could it be because ever since they released their latest album, Twisted Wires, they’ve been on the road almost non-stop? Or could it be because Jeff Keith, the 53 year old lead singer’s voice is simply aging like a fine wine? Or maybe it’s because fellow band members Troy Luccketta (drums), Brian Wheat (bass), Frank Hannon (guitar), and Dave Rude (guitar), just get along and are having a great time together?

Pat Martin, Courtney Keith, and Joe Bob Keith

Whatever the reason, fans around the globe are thankful that Tesla is continuing to tour, bringing their long hair, attitude, and some kick-ass tunes.

Keith came out before the concert, much as he did last year with son Joe Bob. His daughter Courtney was also there to help bring Joe Bob backstage. However, this year Joe Bob was walking and trying to kick around a beach ball onstage, and Courtney’s becoming quite the young woman with a rock-star look.

After Courtney carried Joe Bob offstage Tesla opened with “Comin’ Atcha Live.” The crowd was on their feet, screaming and clapping before Keith uttered a note. There were even a few lighters being raised, rock-style, into the air.

They followed up with a couple of songs from their new Twisted Wires album “Edison’s Medicine” and “Into the Now,” as Keith gave a shout out to Nikola Tesla, the father of radio.

As the band started playing Led Zeppelin’s “Thank You,” Joe Bob was rolled out onto the stage with Keith kneeling down singing to his son. The whole time Joe Bob was fascinated with the microphone. It was a very touching moment between father and son, something many won’t soon forget, as it brought a number of audience members to tears. Keith said after the song;

Joe Bob with Dad - Click for more images

“Children are the most purest, precious, thing in this world.”

I have to agree with Keith, but let’s check back with him in a year, as Joe Bob goes through the terrible twos. I think he just might change his tune.

In true rocker form Keith was vibrating from one side of the stage to the other all night, even though his doctor advised him not too. He was performing with a torn rotator cuff – Ouch!

It was fun watching Hannon and Wheat play guitar together, and then trade off with the Jim Carrey of guitar Dave Rude. Yes, there I said it . . . He so reminds me of Jim Carrey, with his facial expressions and the pure fun he’s having onstage. Come on, tell me he doesn’t look like Carrey!

Jim Carrey - Yes?

Hannon was on fire as usual, with his animalistic talent, blazing riffs, and driving passion for all things guitar, and let’s not forget Wheat pounding out bass and the guy hiding behind the drums keeping time for everyone. Yes, that would be the short haired guy with a really cool name ““ Luccketta.

Dave Rude and Brian Wheat - Click for more images

Keith dedicated “What You Give” to local 98 Rockradio personality Pat Martin. Thanking him for playing their music consistently throughout the years ““ and it’s been a lotta years.

They ended the concert with “Modern Day Cowboy” and “Little Suzi”, receiving a standing O at the end of a great night.

I wanted to get someone’s opinion of the concert, so as I was making my way to introduce myself to one of the concert goers by the name of Mike Hayes, I kept getting interrupted by people. I guess I had wandered into the area where sick people hangout.

Troy Luccketta - Click for more images

Apparently they had some type of prescription drug where you had to smoke the prescription. Actually I think it might have been some type of weed, because someone actually asked me if I wanted some. Yeah right! Like I want that shit in my garden, it’s hard enough to keep the weeds I have at bay, let alone introducing a whole new variety.

When I asked Hayes what he thought of the concert, his reply;

“It was cool dude.”

“’nuff said.

This was a fantastic start to what is going to be a truly great Summer Concert Series out at Thunder Valley Casino Resort. Especially since they have expanded the venue to include even more general admission seating, making for even funner events (I know ““ funner’s not a word – just let it go).

Make sure you visit the Tesla’s Troops website, where for under twenty bucks a year you can watch videos as they bring the experience of being in the band right to your computer. They have backstage and green room footage giving you an exclusive look into the life of a rock-star. Plus you get awesome discounts off their merchandise!!

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Honoring 25 years of making music and Sacramento history, Sacramento’s Mayor Kevin Johnson presented rock legends Tesla the key to the city. The location – The Rock and Radio Museum housed in the old Oasis Ballroom where Tesla got their start over 25 years ago. In fact, it’s the same location where Frank Hannon discovered lead singer Jeff Keith so many years ago.

While Tesla knew they were being awarded the key to the city, they were unaware that Mayor Johnson was also going to officially declare today, December 7th, Tesla Day.

The Tesla crew immediately wanted to know if they were going to get December 7th off from now on.

Each band member approached the podium to thank Sacramento and Mayor Johnson, leading off with Wheat.

Frank Hannon wanted to make certain he thanked 98 Rock’s Pat Martin for working so diligently to get the band back together.

Mayor Kevin Johnson - Click for more images

Keith got a little choked up as he was thanking everyone and reminiscing of when they first met back at the Oasis Ballroom. His voice still sounded a little scratchy as he’s still recovering from losing his voice. By the way the new dates for their postponed shows at Ace of Spades are January 27th and January 28th.

Troy and Dave really didn’t want to say anything, but they were “talked” into saying a few words. Troopers!

Don’t forget to checkout Tesla’s latest album Twisted Wires! It demonstrates why they are the ones credited for bringing unplugged to the forefront of the music world.

Dennis Newhall curator of the Sacramento Rock and Radio museum wants to get the word out about the museum. They’re looking for any piece of rock memorabilia from the past in the Sacramento area. Anything, ticket stubs, matchbooks, posters, etc. They are collecting all of these under one roof to keep the memories alive. You can donate by contacting Dennis at sacrockmuseum@gmail.com.

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As I mentioned in an earlier post Tesla will be celebrating their 20th anniversary of their legendary 5 Man Acoustical Jam, in full “Acoustic” fashion this November 2011 in support of their new album “Twisted Wires and the Acoustic Sessions.”

The new album features “acoustic” versions of TESLA classics such as “Hang Tough” and “What You Give” as well as a new hit single titled “2nd Street.” The concert tour will feature TESLA the band playing a stripped down acoustic set ““ No! Not stripped as in naked, stripped as in unplugged.

This CD/tour reinforces the fact that Tesla started the “unplugged” craze back in the 90’s. Their acoustic renditions of lesser known songs such as “Shine Away” and “Caught In a Dream,” are refreshing to listen to and have excellent guitar and harmonies.

The great news for everyone in downtown Sacramento is Tesla is going to play at Ace of Spades on December 2nd, but wait ““ that’s not all. They will be also be playing a second night at Ace of Spades on December 3rd. For you Bay Area concert goers you can catch them in San Francisco on December 1st.

I’m still not done!! You have to get over to their website and check out their new fan page and join the Tesla Troops!

The new album features “acoustic” versions of TESLA classics such as “Hang Tough” and “What You Give” as well as a new hit single titled “2nd Street.” The concert tour will feature TESLA the band playing a stripped down acoustic set ““ No! Not stripped as in naked, stripped as in unplugged. I know! Of course they will have some things plugged in, just work with me here.

This CD/tour reinforces the fact that Tesla started the “unplugged” craze back in the 90’s. Their acoustic renditions of lesser known songs such as “Shine Away” and “Caught In a Dream,” are refreshing to listen to and have excellent guitar and harmonies. Keith’s vocals have definitely improved with age and remind me more and more of Steven Tyler. However, Keith continues to have a sound all his own, especially when backed by the likes of bassist Brian Wheat, guitarist Frank Hannon, drummer Troy Luccketta and newest member, guitarist Dave Rude.

I had the opportunity to cover the release of their latest CD “Twisted Wires and the Acoustic Sessions,” at Dimple Records in Sacramento, CA. where they played a few songs from their new CD, including “2nd Street.” Trust me, this is not something you want to miss. Click on the song of your choice below to have a listen. If you haven’t already purchased their CD, get it now.